YREKA – Two men have been apprehended and the Yreka Police Department is currently investigating whether the suspects are connected to the string of attempted burglaries reported by local businesses over the past week.

Walter Schambach, 18, and James Phillips, 29, both of Yreka, were charged late Sunday night with prowling.

Sgt. Mark Gilman said officers were on patrol at Yreka High School when Schambach and Phillips were reportedly discovered on the grounds, and one was armed with a prying tool that was consistent with the tool used to pry the doors at numerous Yreka businesses last week.

Gilman said last week several businesses, including MacGregor’s Gifts, Grogg & Book Emporium, Surroundings and Natural Selections reported that their doors were damaged by a prying tool sometime during the night.

Only one facility was entered by the perpetrators. Officers responded to a report of a burglary at the Yreka Train Depot on Friday, said Gilman.

The perpetrators had pried the door open and attempted to pry open the cash register. While no items were missing, Gilman said he estimates the damage was approximately $1,000.

Gilman stated that officers are currently investigating Schambach and Phillips’ role in these crimes. Those with information about these incidents are urged to contact the YPD’s confidential Crime Clue Line at 841-2345.